City of Carthage

The City of Carthage will soon begin the initial targeted code enforcement initiative, focusing primarily on Oak St (Route 66) from Garrison Ave to Baker Blvd. Once this initial target area is completed, they will begin focusing on other areas.
This initiative is in direct response to resident concerns regarding exterior property maintenance conditions that may impact neighborhood safety, community appearance, and property values. The City’s goal is to address recurring or long‑standing exterior issues that can contribute to blight, create safety hazards, and negatively affect the overall image of Carthage.

Because Route 66 and I‑49 serve as major entry corridors, conditions along these routes play a key role in first impressions for residents, visitors, and prospective investors. The City remains committed to ensuring Carthage is a clean, safe, and welcoming community.

Common exterior property maintenance issues include (not all‑inclusive):
-Broken or missing handrails on steps with four or more risers
-Foundation walls with open cracks or breaks
-Peeling, flaking, or chipped paint
-Exterior walls that are rotted, have holes/breaks, or have loose materials
-Exposed Tyvek or exposed OSB/plywood/MDF materials
-Rotted, sagging, or missing soffit or fascia
-Broken or sagging gutters and downspouts
-Roofs with missing, loose, or deteriorated materials; significant sagging; or holes exposing interior areas
-Rotted, broken, or sagging stairways, balconies, porches, or decks
-Broken or missing windows or skylights (tarps or plastic coverings are not suitable)
-Chimneys or smokestacks that are broken, leaning, crumbling, or appear structurally unsound
-Yard Maintenance
In addition to structural concerns, property owners are expected to maintain yards and outdoor areas. This includes:
-Overgrown weeds or vegetation
-Accumulation of trash, debris, or unnecessary items
-Items stored outdoors that detract from neighborhood appearance or create safety concerns
-Keeping yards clean and maintained is an important part of preserving community pride and protecting property values.

Residents with questions regarding property maintenance requirements or this initiative may contact the City of Carthage Public Works Department at 417‑237‑7010. City staff are available to provide guidance and help residents understand compliance expectations.
The entirety of the code can be found through our website.